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Police Officer Licensing in Colorado

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Police Officer in Colorado

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Pass the POST certification exam

  2. 2

    Must have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, no felony convictions, complete POST approved basic training

  3. 3

    Education: Specific course required.

  4. 4

    Experience: No experience required.

  5. 5

    Background/Criminal Review: Any conviction is prohibited.

  6. 6

    Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.

  7. 7

    Certification: Certification required.

  8. 8

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  9. 9

    LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Pass the POST certification exam.

  10. 10

    Must have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, no felony convictions, complete POST approved basic training.

  11. 11

    However, becoming a Colorado peace officer requires high ethical standards, personal discipline, and extensive training.

  12. 12

    To be eligible for appointment as a peace officer, an applicant must first be certified by the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board.

  13. 13

    By law Basic certification requires successful completion of a POST-approved Basic academy successful completion of the POST certification examination, and a background check.

Exam and processing details

  • Pass the POST certification exam

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Dept of Law • Peace Officer Standards and Training Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $96,100 median (26% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #5 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (To be eligible for appointment as a peace officer, an applicant must first be certified by the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST...).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required Pass the POST certification exam.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Any conviction is prohibited; Must have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, no felony convictions, complete POST approved basic training; Background/Criminal Review: Any conviction is prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Dept of Law~Peace Officer Standards and Training Board and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Colorado

With a median salary of $96,100, Police Officers in Colorado earn 26% above the national median of $76,290. Colorado ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,540

Median annual salary

$96,100

Hourly estimate

$46.20
26% above national median

Difference: +$19,810

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$65,850
  • P2525th percentile$77,550
  • P50Median$96,100
  • P7575th percentile$103,840
  • P9090th percentile$111,360

State vs National Median

State: $96,100
National: $76,290

Total employment: 9,480 | Annual openings: N/A

Police Officer Salary Ranking

#5 of 50 statesfor Police Officer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$115,400
#2Washington$102,640
#3Illinois$101,530
#4Alaska$100,300
#5Colorado$96,100

Nearby States Comparison

Police Officer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Colorado$96,100Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Wyoming$65,180Specific course requiredState exam required1-3 years
Nebraska$72,160Varies by state boardState-approved exam21 years
Kansas$56,610Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$57,360Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
New Mexico$63,340Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$79,370Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Utah$77,210Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Colorado50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Wyoming62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Kansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
New Mexico50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Dept of Law • Peace Officer Standards and Training Board

1300 Broadway 10th Floor, Denver, CO, 80203

Phone: 7205086721

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Colorado

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$60,670Specific course requiredVaries by board
Firefighter$76,560Specific course required4 years
Security Guards$46,080Specific course requiredVaries by board
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Police Officer in Colorado?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Police Officers in Colorado?

Colorado lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Police Officers.

What education do you need to become a Police Officer in Colorado?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Police Officer licensure in Colorado.

What is the typical Police Officer salary in Colorado?

The median annual salary for Police Officers in Colorado is $96,100. Salaries range from $65,850 (10th percentile) to $111,360 (90th percentile).

How does the Police Officer salary in Colorado compare to the national average?

Police Officers in Colorado earn 26% above the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $96,100.

How many Police Officers work in Colorado?

Colorado employs approximately 9,480 Police Officers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Police Officer license to Colorado from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Police Officers in Colorado?

The licensing agency is Dept of Law / Peace Officer Standards and Training Board. Review agency details at https://www.colorado.gov/post.

How often do you renew a Police Officer license in Colorado?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.